Development Instructor - Africa
Overview
THE DEVELOPMENT INSTRUCTOR PROGRAMThe Development Instructor program is a “People to People” activity where many people meet under the umbrella of positive change, and where all parties involved, benefit mutually from the activities. In this way all parties develop into a diverse and unified whole around the interest and activities, furthering change and positive development.The Development Instructor programs are 14/20 months long with 3 very different, yet mutually dependent periods. Here follows a short description of the specific periods
First Period –Training and Work Camp at Campus California TG
A 6 months training and work camp. A period aiming to equip each individual and team of people with the necessary tools, knowledge, experience and understanding to be able to place themselves in middle of the turmoil of which we define as development.
In other words, to be well prepared and able to create a positive change at the development projects of organizations connected to the Humana People to People movement.
Second Period – Development work in Africa
A 6/12 months work period at a project in Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia or South Africa.
This is when each person involved gives his/her gift to mankind by having a humanizing influence upon development. Let this be fighting the spread of AIDS/HIV, instructing at schools for children, in training future school teachers, in community work empowering families and implementing low-cost “high technological” improvements for example “wood saving stoves”, “latrines”, “small scale water filters” and more.
Third Period – Bring the past experience into the future.
A 2 month period called “Camp Future” or simply just the “Third period.”
This period is orientated towards the future and how to effectively use the experiences of the past year to encourage more people to follow in our footsteps and to be inspired. Each participant will use the past experiences to define their future direction in life. This is information work, in the broadest sense of the word, to educate many people as well as ourselves
Training - the 1st period
Being enrolled in the program does not guarantee you a position at a Humana project in Africa. You must qualify.
To qualify as Development Instructor you
The goal of the first period is to qualify you so you are able to fill a position and make a significant contribution at the project where you will volunteer in Africa.
1. Must show you can work with people from different backgrounds
2. Must be able to communicate, orally and in writing, in the language of the country where you will work
3. Must demonstrate you have the necessary skills to work at the project you are going to.
4. Must demonstrate that you can take initiatives and responsibility for development
5. Must demonstrate that you can plan, and use, your time well
6. Must show that you can instruct in the language of the country where you are going.
7. You must reach your fundraising through outreach goal
Guidance during your first period
Your team will receive some common input from the CCTG staff (who have recent experience in development work). You will also receive guidance from the staff as to how you can qualify yourself as a development instructor.
You will have regular meetings with a staff member, where you review your progress together and plan your future development.
You will probably receive a job description for the position you will take in Africa early in the first period so you can prepare specifically for that position.
The educational system at CCTG
The educational system at CCTG is set up so that you can, and must, take responsibility for your own development, and own qualification, as a development instructor. You will be part of an international team, from different backgrounds. Because your background will be different from others on your team, what you need to do to qualify as a DI will also be different. Therefore you will plan and implement how to use the educational system at CCTG so that you can enhance your skills to qualify as a DI.
Project period - the 2nd period
You are in this period working closely together with Humana People to Peoples projects’ leadership and staff, and are fully integrated in the organizations development work.
Through this period you work as Development Instructors (DIs in Humana). You will get first hand field work experience and will be given opportunities to be part of developing the project with your own efforts, skills and ideas throughout the whole period. The DI positions are mostly given within the field of education; - from street children schools and preschools to teacher training level, HIV/AIDS prevention programs, Child Aid and Community development projects, various kinds of fundraising and environmental projects.
You will be going to the project where there is most need for you at that moment. Early in the training period each of you will get to know which project you can concretely prepare for and learn about the actual tasks there. This can still change during the preparation time so it is important to be flexible and open for changes.
It is also important to bear in mind that: - "where there is a will there is a way". This means that all kind of technical preparations are not enough. It is our experience that the Development Instructors, to a large extent, also need to use all their best human qualities and fully understand Humana's Solidary Humanism to make a successful project work period.
The structure of the Development Instructor's stay at the project in Africa
You are at the project for six or twelve months.
cannot travel to other countries during these months
cannot stay longer in the country than the planned months
The six months at the project has the following structure :
3Days
* Arrival.
* Get to know the project.
* You should have a briefing from the project leader or a key staff member on how to keep yourself healthy and safe while at the project, and what to do in an emergency or if you are sick.
▶Note : CCTG will expect you to take malaria prophylaxis during your period in Africa. This will be provided before you leave the US. If you feel unwell when in Africa you should always suspect malaria and take a malaria test as soon as you can.
2Weeks
* Thorough introduction to the work at the project
* Get started
* Meeting with the project leader to confirm your responsibilities at the project
4Weeks
* Project period : you work at the job
1Weeks
* Golden Cut Meeting : meeting with project leader to review your progress and plan for remainder of the period at the project.
1Weeks
* Task Force Period
(actions or production of information outlined by the Federation and the project and planned in detail with the project leader)
1Weeks
* You plan a trip of your own choice. The itinerary and goals of the trip are qualified and approved by the project leader. You make the trip.
15 weeks
* You continue working at the project
2 days
* Conclusion, hand-over to project leader, and departure
TCE
We might as well move straight to the point: Your participation is needed in the struggle to get the AIDS epidemic under control in Southern Africa. Here the epidemic is out of control. UN Special Envoy Stephen Lewis calls AIDS "Mass Murder by Complacency". World leaders allow this to happen without taking appropriate action, without channeling sufficient resources and know-how to stop this epidemic from spreading. In Southern Africa 25 million people are infected with HIV. Each day thousands more are infected. Each day children become orphans. Each day people bury loved ones. And in the wake of the epidemic there are horrifying and sad consequences, some of which will take decades to overcome.
It is our human obligation to take action. Only people can liberate themselves from the epidemic. Everyone else can only participate. But the participation of every one is needed - each one the way he/she can. Only through this combined participation is it possible to turn the situation around.
It is never too late - but on the other hand - there is no time to waste. You do not need further explanation. What are you waiting for? The task is so obvious. Inform yourself and be convinced of the urgency to join the TCE Program.
Currently our Development Instructors are working with the TCE program in Mozambique, Malawi and Namibia, we have also been offered positions in Zambia and South Africa.
Mozambique
Currently our volunteers are working or on their way to the following projects:
TCE
EPF (Teachers' Training College) Nacala, Maputo
Child Aid Nacala
Vocational Training School Nacala
Child Aid and Cashew Plantation and Training Center Itoculo
HOPE Maputo
We have also worked with the environmental project in Gabo Delgado in Bilibiza; OWU (One World University), High School and Colegio in Maputo.
Some examples of the project job descriptions
Child Aid Nacla - special position
Itoculo Cashew plantation and training center
Colegio Maputo
Zambia
Currently our Development Instructors are working with the Child Aid projects in Mazabuka and Chimombo; and Children's Town in Chimombo, 2 DI's are on their way to Child Aid poject in Samfya. We have also in the past worked with Child Aid in Mkushi.
Some examples of the project job descriptions
Child Aid in Mazabuka
Child Aid in Samfya
Malawi
CCTG has started to send volunteers to Malawi only this year - 2007. Our Development Instructors are working with 2 major projects - TCE and Farmers Clubs.
Some examples of the project job descriptions
Farmers Clubs
Camp Future
The third period, called Camp Future is the name of the 2 months follow up and information work period. During the program you will change. The follow-up period is important in the sense that it provides the necessary time to change gear and move from one activity to the next. The period has 4 elements:
Writing a final report
The final report is dedicated to Humana People to People and CCTG but it is certainly also there for your own sake.
Having completed the periods of training and development work it is time to make a stop, to look back, to consider, to deliberate, to conclude - in regard to the training, to the period at the project and to your own personal development. You give recommendations for how these experiences can be used to improve.
Producing Information Materials
Already in the first period you have considered what product(s) you want to produce in the follow up period, so this is also reflected during the time in Africa - you take pictures or video, make interviews, record music, collect materials, learn to dance, purchase things you want to use in a presentation, write diary, etc. The products can be video films, power point presentations, courses on a variety of subjects, books/booklet, exhibitions, theater plays, poems, drawings and pieces of art, portraits of the people you have met and much more. They are used in the teaching of new generations of Development Instructors, to inform the general public and for you to bring with you further on in life.
Information and Outreach Campaigns
An essential part of the follow-up period is to inform, educate and enlighten the general public in America about the work you have been doing, about the people and countries you have visited, about development issues and the world in general and about the need to do much more. It is giving back to those who supported you in the first period - the school class, the church, the community center, the college, the high school and the people in the neighboring towns. It is mobilizing more people to become Development Instructors. It is organizing collections and partnerships for your project. It is teaching the new teams at the Institute.
Doing good in the US
Having trained to become a Development Instructor and practiced the skills and knowledge at a project in Africa, part of the Camp Future is to use these experiences to do good in the US. Each Development Instructor will take part in implementing projects and actions in support of people in need. It can be life skills training for youth, improving facilities at inner city schools, support better nutrition for people with HIV, building houses for hurricane victims, or organizing summer camps for vulnerable children.
Safety
Your safety can only be measured by how safe you make your situation, just like anywhere else in the world. Use your common sense and do not make compromises. It is best to keep in mind the lessons you were taught while a child. Always make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you will return, go places in pairs or groups, do not flash expensive stuff or money, etc.
Humana believes in the safety of all volunteers and would never leave anyone in an unsafe area or situation. As soon as there is any type of instability, Humana will make sure you will be removed from the country immediately and sent to another for the duration of your time.
The school policy of no-drug, no-alcohol is also designed to assure the safety of volunteers.
During the training you will have courses about safety and advice form people who have been in Africa. Take that in consideration!
In each country, there is a person who is in charge of the volunteers. Talk to them and ask their advice, they are locals and know much better about the situation in the place.
SAFETY is of highest priority for the school, for Humana People to People - and of course for you and your family and friends.
We are proud to say that the Development Instructor program has been carried out for 26 years with thousand of people, and the number of serious incidents have been very few. This is first of all because safety is a high priority and that the DI’s in general are very much aware of how to stay safe.
However it is very important to understand that traveling to and working in a poor third world country is NOT the same as being in the US.
One fundamental thing you need to take a stand to is that as a Development Instructor you are representing Humana People to People - and NOT yourself. This means that to the eyes of people you will be "one from Humana" and everything you do or don’t do will be what "Humana does".
In projects where previous DI’s have been e.g. drinking - it falls back on everyone at the project and at the DI’s following. People lose respect for you and the organization and it takes a great effort to turn such a situation around.
Another thing you need to realize is that you are a public figure.
Everyone will notice you - how you are dressed, what you say, whom you speak to, what you do, what you eat.... etc. And they will talk about you. Therefore it is important that you consider what impact you want to have - and how you want to use this as an opportunity to show an example, and also put aside some of your usual habits out of respect for the people you work with.
We have listed 20 guidelines for how to stay safe in Africa
Use your common sense!
Alcohol is TROUBLE!
Take care of what you eat and what you drink
Listen to your body - and get checked if there is anything wrong.
Dress properly and behave respectful to the African culture
Take care of your feet!
Do not swim in rivers and lakes
Do not tempt people to steal from you
Keep your house as a private space
Do not select favorites among the people/children in the community
Do not give the stuff away you do not want to bring home
Protect yourself against malaria
Do not stay alone or go out after dark by yourself
Always let someone know where you are and when you will be back
Always carry the essential phone numbers of e.g. your project leader and the project on you
Do not bring things to Africa that you do not want to lose
Keep your passport, money and other values in a safe place
If robbed - do NOT resist - just give what you have away
Do not start sexual relationships as a DI
Take a special stand to safety when traveling - e.g. the condition of the cars and the driver
While in Africa you all have a health insurance. We do not have the health insurance to cover minor things - like getting a malaria test. We have the health insurance in case - hopefully not -the worst case scenario happens - that you are injured in the bush and need a helicopter and special staff to pick you up and bring you to a good private hospital.... All of which would be extremely costly.
There is a 50 USD self-payment before the insurance will cover.
So if you get sick, just gather all the receipts from the doctor and if they exceed 50 USD for the same treatment, you can send in a claim form and the receipts and get reimbursed.
In case it cost a lot of money - eg. hospitalization, home travel ... You need to contact the insurance company - or someone at the project/school must do so.
Pls. read the policy to know what the insurance covers and what not.
What you need to bring is the policy number and contact information for the insurance company. The Project Leaders know how to deal with this and the school as well.
One thing you should notice is that the health insurance also covers a ticket home in case someone in your close family gets very sick. You will need to get a note from the doctor treating the family member saying his/her condition has drastically changed/or the person has died. Then you can get a ticket back home and return to your project if your contract is still running.
BUT - only if the school purchases the ticket. There is a limit to the amount of 15,000 dKr - app 2600 usd. If the insurance company buys the ticket they will only be able to get a one way ticket - but if we buy it - in agreement with the insurance company - we can get a round trip ticket.
OverviewTHE DEVELOPMENT INSTRUCTOR PROGRAMThe Development Instructor program is a “People to People” activity where many people meet under the umbrella of positive change, and where all parties involved, benefit mutually from the activities. In this way all parties develop into a diverse and unified whole around the interest and activities, furthering change and positive development.The Development Instructor programs are 14/20 months long with 3 very different, yet mutually dependent periods. Here follows a short description of the specific periods
First Period –Training and Work Camp at Campus California TG
A 6 months training and work camp. A period aiming to equip each individual and team of people with the necessary tools, knowledge, experience and understanding to be able to place themselves in middle of the turmoil of which we define as development.
In other words, to be well prepared and able to create a positive change at the development projects of organizations connected to the Humana People to People movement.
Second Period – Development work in AfricaA 6/12 months work period at a project in Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia or South Africa.
This is when each person involved gives his/her gift to mankind by having a humanizing influence upon development. Let this be fighting the spread of AIDS/HIV, instructing at schools for children, in training future school teachers, in community work empowering families and implementing low-cost “high technological” improvements for example “wood saving stoves”, “latrines”, “small scale water filters” and more.
Third Period – Bring the past experience into the future.
A 2 month period called “Camp Future” or simply just the “Third period.”
This period is orientated towards the future and how to effectively use the experiences of the past year to encourage more people to follow in our footsteps and to be inspired. Each participant will use the past experiences to define their future direction in life. This is information work, in the broadest sense of the word, to educate many people as well as ourselves
Training - the 1st periodBeing enrolled in the program does not guarantee you a position at a Humana project in Africa. You must qualify.
To qualify as Development Instructor you
The goal of the first period is to qualify you so you are able to fill a position and make a significant contribution at the project where you will volunteer in Africa.
1. Must show you can work with people from different backgrounds
2. Must be able to communicate, orally and in writing, in the language of the country where you will work
3. Must demonstrate you have the necessary skills to work at the project you are going to.
4. Must demonstrate that you can take initiatives and responsibility for development
5. Must demonstrate that you can plan, and use, your time well
6. Must show that you can instruct in the language of the country where you are going.
7. You must reach your fundraising through outreach goal
Guidance during your first period
Your team will receive some common input from the CCTG staff (who have recent experience in development work). You will also receive guidance from the staff as to how you can qualify yourself as a development instructor.
You will have regular meetings with a staff member, where you review your progress together and plan your future development.
You will probably receive a job description for the position you will take in Africa early in the first period so you can prepare specifically for that position.
The educational system at CCTG
The educational system at CCTG is set up so that you can, and must, take responsibility for your own development, and own qualification, as a development instructor. You will be part of an international team, from different backgrounds. Because your background will be different from others on your team, what you need to do to qualify as a DI will also be different. Therefore you will plan and implement how to use the educational system at CCTG so that you can enhance your skills to qualify as a DI.
Project period - the 2nd period
You are in this period working closely together with Humana People to Peoples projects’ leadership and staff, and are fully integrated in the organizations development work.
Through this period you work as Development Instructors (DIs in Humana). You will get first hand field work experience and will be given opportunities to be part of developing the project with your own efforts, skills and ideas throughout the whole period. The DI positions are mostly given within the field of education; - from street children schools and preschools to teacher training level, HIV/AIDS prevention programs, Child Aid and Community development projects, various kinds of fundraising and environmental projects.
You will be going to the project where there is most need for you at that moment. Early in the training period each of you will get to know which project you can concretely prepare for and learn about the actual tasks there. This can still change during the preparation time so it is important to be flexible and open for changes.
It is also important to bear in mind that: - "where there is a will there is a way". This means that all kind of technical preparations are not enough. It is our experience that the Development Instructors, to a large extent, also need to use all their best human qualities and fully understand Humana's Solidary Humanism to make a successful project work period.
The structure of the Development Instructor's stay at the project in Africa
You are at the project for six or twelve months.
cannot travel to other countries during these months
cannot stay longer in the country than the planned months
The six months at the project has the following structure :
3Days
* Arrival.
* Get to know the project.
* You should have a briefing from the project leader or a key staff member on how to keep yourself healthy and safe while at the project, and what to do in an emergency or if you are sick.
▶Note : CCTG will expect you to take malaria prophylaxis during your period in Africa. This will be provided before you leave the US. If you feel unwell when in Africa you should always suspect malaria and take a malaria test as soon as you can.
2Weeks
* Thorough introduction to the work at the project
* Get started
* Meeting with the project leader to confirm your responsibilities at the project
4Weeks
* Project period : you work at the job
1Weeks
* Golden Cut Meeting : meeting with project leader to review your progress and plan for remainder of the period at the project.
1Weeks
* Task Force Period
(actions or production of information outlined by the Federation and the project and planned in detail with the project leader)
1Weeks
* You plan a trip of your own choice. The itinerary and goals of the trip are qualified and approved by the project leader. You make the trip.
15 weeks
* You continue working at the project
2 days
* Conclusion, hand-over to project leader, and departure
TCEWe might as well move straight to the point: Your participation is needed in the struggle to get the AIDS epidemic under control in Southern Africa. Here the epidemic is out of control. UN Special Envoy Stephen Lewis calls AIDS "Mass Murder by Complacency". World leaders allow this to happen without taking appropriate action, without channeling sufficient resources and know-how to stop this epidemic from spreading. In Southern Africa 25 million people are infected with HIV. Each day thousands more are infected. Each day children become orphans. Each day people bury loved ones. And in the wake of the epidemic there are horrifying and sad consequences, some of which will take decades to overcome.
It is our human obligation to take action. Only people can liberate themselves from the epidemic. Everyone else can only participate. But the participation of every one is needed - each one the way he/she can. Only through this combined participation is it possible to turn the situation around.
It is never too late - but on the other hand - there is no time to waste. You do not need further explanation. What are you waiting for? The task is so obvious. Inform yourself and be convinced of the urgency to join the TCE Program.
Currently our Development Instructors are working with the TCE program in Mozambique, Malawi and Namibia, we have also been offered positions in Zambia and South Africa.
Mozambique
Currently our volunteers are working or on their way to the following projects:
TCE
EPF (Teachers' Training College) Nacala, Maputo
Child Aid Nacala
Vocational Training School Nacala
Child Aid and Cashew Plantation and Training Center Itoculo
HOPE Maputo
We have also worked with the environmental project in Gabo Delgado in Bilibiza; OWU (One World University), High School and Colegio in Maputo.
Some examples of the project job descriptions
Child Aid Nacla - special position
Itoculo Cashew plantation and training center
Colegio Maputo
Zambia
Currently our Development Instructors are working with the Child Aid projects in Mazabuka and Chimombo; and Children's Town in Chimombo, 2 DI's are on their way to Child Aid poject in Samfya. We have also in the past worked with Child Aid in Mkushi.
Some examples of the project job descriptions
Child Aid in Mazabuka
Child Aid in Samfya
Malawi
CCTG has started to send volunteers to Malawi only this year - 2007. Our Development Instructors are working with 2 major projects - TCE and Farmers Clubs.
Some examples of the project job descriptions
Farmers Clubs
Camp Future
The third period, called Camp Future is the name of the 2 months follow up and information work period. During the program you will change. The follow-up period is important in the sense that it provides the necessary time to change gear and move from one activity to the next. The period has 4 elements:
Writing a final report
The final report is dedicated to Humana People to People and CCTG but it is certainly also there for your own sake.
Having completed the periods of training and development work it is time to make a stop, to look back, to consider, to deliberate, to conclude - in regard to the training, to the period at the project and to your own personal development. You give recommendations for how these experiences can be used to improve.
Producing Information Materials
Already in the first period you have considered what product(s) you want to produce in the follow up period, so this is also reflected during the time in Africa - you take pictures or video, make interviews, record music, collect materials, learn to dance, purchase things you want to use in a presentation, write diary, etc. The products can be video films, power point presentations, courses on a variety of subjects, books/booklet, exhibitions, theater plays, poems, drawings and pieces of art, portraits of the people you have met and much more. They are used in the teaching of new generations of Development Instructors, to inform the general public and for you to bring with you further on in life.
Information and Outreach Campaigns
An essential part of the follow-up period is to inform, educate and enlighten the general public in America about the work you have been doing, about the people and countries you have visited, about development issues and the world in general and about the need to do much more. It is giving back to those who supported you in the first period - the school class, the church, the community center, the college, the high school and the people in the neighboring towns. It is mobilizing more people to become Development Instructors. It is organizing collections and partnerships for your project. It is teaching the new teams at the Institute.
Doing good in the US
Having trained to become a Development Instructor and practiced the skills and knowledge at a project in Africa, part of the Camp Future is to use these experiences to do good in the US. Each Development Instructor will take part in implementing projects and actions in support of people in need. It can be life skills training for youth, improving facilities at inner city schools, support better nutrition for people with HIV, building houses for hurricane victims, or organizing summer camps for vulnerable children.
Safety
Your safety can only be measured by how safe you make your situation, just like anywhere else in the world. Use your common sense and do not make compromises. It is best to keep in mind the lessons you were taught while a child. Always make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you will return, go places in pairs or groups, do not flash expensive stuff or money, etc.
Humana believes in the safety of all volunteers and would never leave anyone in an unsafe area or situation. As soon as there is any type of instability, Humana will make sure you will be removed from the country immediately and sent to another for the duration of your time.
The school policy of no-drug, no-alcohol is also designed to assure the safety of volunteers.
During the training you will have courses about safety and advice form people who have been in Africa. Take that in consideration!
In each country, there is a person who is in charge of the volunteers. Talk to them and ask their advice, they are locals and know much better about the situation in the place.
SAFETY is of highest priority for the school, for Humana People to People - and of course for you and your family and friends.
We are proud to say that the Development Instructor program has been carried out for 26 years with thousand of people, and the number of serious incidents have been very few. This is first of all because safety is a high priority and that the DI’s in general are very much aware of how to stay safe.
However it is very important to understand that traveling to and working in a poor third world country is NOT the same as being in the US.
One fundamental thing you need to take a stand to is that as a Development Instructor you are representing Humana People to People - and NOT yourself. This means that to the eyes of people you will be "one from Humana" and everything you do or don’t do will be what "Humana does".
In projects where previous DI’s have been e.g. drinking - it falls back on everyone at the project and at the DI’s following. People lose respect for you and the organization and it takes a great effort to turn such a situation around.
Another thing you need to realize is that you are a public figure.
Everyone will notice you - how you are dressed, what you say, whom you speak to, what you do, what you eat.... etc. And they will talk about you. Therefore it is important that you consider what impact you want to have - and how you want to use this as an opportunity to show an example, and also put aside some of your usual habits out of respect for the people you work with.
We have listed 20 guidelines for how to stay safe in Africa
Use your common sense!
Alcohol is TROUBLE!
Take care of what you eat and what you drink
Listen to your body - and get checked if there is anything wrong.
Dress properly and behave respectful to the African culture
Take care of your feet!
Do not swim in rivers and lakes
Do not tempt people to steal from you
Keep your house as a private space
Do not select favorites among the people/children in the community
Do not give the stuff away you do not want to bring home
Protect yourself against malaria
Do not stay alone or go out after dark by yourself
Always let someone know where you are and when you will be back
Always carry the essential phone numbers of e.g. your project leader and the project on you
Do not bring things to Africa that you do not want to lose
Keep your passport, money and other values in a safe place
If robbed - do NOT resist - just give what you have away
Do not start sexual relationships as a DI
Take a special stand to safety when traveling - e.g. the condition of the cars and the driver
While in Africa you all have a health insurance. We do not have the health insurance to cover minor things - like getting a malaria test. We have the health insurance in case - hopefully not -the worst case scenario happens - that you are injured in the bush and need a helicopter and special staff to pick you up and bring you to a good private hospital.... All of which would be extremely costly.
There is a 50 USD self-payment before the insurance will cover.
So if you get sick, just gather all the receipts from the doctor and if they exceed 50 USD for the same treatment, you can send in a claim form and the receipts and get reimbursed.
In case it cost a lot of money - eg. hospitalization, home travel ... You need to contact the insurance company - or someone at the project/school must do so.
Pls. read the policy to know what the insurance covers and what not.
What you need to bring is the policy number and contact information for the insurance company. The Project Leaders know how to deal with this and the school as well.
One thing you should notice is that the health insurance also covers a ticket home in case someone in your close family gets very sick. You will need to get a note from the doctor treating the family member saying his/her condition has drastically changed/or the person has died. Then you can get a ticket back home and return to your project if your contract is still running.
BUT - only if the school purchases the ticket. There is a limit to the amount of 15,000 dKr - app 2600 usd. If the insurance company buys the ticket they will only be able to get a one way ticket - but if we buy it - in agreement with the insurance company - we can get a round trip ticket.
